Driving The New Suzuki Swift

Here’s why it’ll give you #AllTheRightFeels…

Celeste |
30 Jul 2018

The Suzuki Swift is back. This third generation hatchback is popular for good reason, not only locally, but also internationally. It has made waves abroad and won numerous awards. I recently took it for a test-drive and this is what I found.

What’s it like to drive?

From the moment you get into the driver’s seat your experience begins. The back of the seat cradles your back in such a comfortable way and you sit quite low – which makes it feel quite sporty. That sets the tone even before you turn on the ignition. Once you’re on the go it is even more exquisite – a properly pleasurable drive. The Swift is so willing – it just wants to go. You’re going to enjoy responsive steering and what feels like a true desire to drive – it’s not the kind of car that wants to remain parked.

It doesn’t disappoint in the city – even with dense traffic. On the open road it – it is both smooth and agile. This car impresses on curvy coastal roads and highways alike – you’re going to be holding your own without that ‘small car syndrome’ feeling.

The K12M four-cylinder engine is equipped with a relatively high compression ratio of 11:1, which in turn improves the engine performance and combustion efficiency, for lower fuel consumption. The engine delivers 61 kW at 6 000 rpm and 113 Nm at 4 200 rpm.

More enjoyment from the new Suzuki Swift…

The new Swift’s fuel consumption is rated at 4.9 litres per 100 km. You can anticipate a real-world range of over 750 km on its 37 litre tank. That just adds to the driving experience – because you know it isn’t going to break the bank while you get from point A to point B.

Let’s also take a moment to discuss boot space – there is enough room for four adults to comfortably take a road trip. Provided you’re not actually trying to pack the kitchen sink, it is very realistic to accommodate passengers and luggage. The boot space has increased by 58 litres since its predecessor and it now has a rather boastful capacity of up to 268 litres.

In terms of its physical appearance, the new Swift has taken a leap forward. The overall shape is largely family-orientated, but the exterior is more sporty and a lot more bold – it looks fresh and modern. This comes down to integrated and reinterpreted styling elements such as: rear door handles in the C-pillar, blacked-out front and centre pillars with a blacked top-section on the rear pillar to create the impression of a floating roof.

Suzuki Swift derivatives:

Suzuki Swift 1.2 GA Manual

Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL Manual

Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL AMT

All models are sold with Suzuki’s acclaimed 5-year/200 000km mechanical warranty and a 2-year/30 000km service plan, with a price point starts at R159 900. The Swift is available immediately at Suzuki dealers across South Africa.

It is a wonderful hatchback that offers a driving experience of note! It’s the kind of car you can consider if you’re a family of four – just perhaps consider doing so after the bulky pram stage – but it is also a superb purchase for an individual looking for an honest, reliable driving experience.